Military Service

[Forsher]

The Navy's slogan seems to be lifted from the National Anthem... mind you so is the whole ad.

[Shard_Head]

What do you think of the military?

It annoys me that so much public funding is pushed towards the military and that there has been such a big rise in "our lads" type mentality in the UK

Do you know anyone who's in it?

Unforunately

Are YOU in it?

No

What were some of your experiences?

Drunk squaddies making the locals lives hell, beating up innocents, using derogatory and disrespectful comments and rarely having any noticable punishment. Sober squaddies overly enamoured with their power and acting like inconsiderate dicks as a result.

And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect?

No sympathy

[Saiwania]

What do you think of the military?

A noble profession and a wonderful employer.

Do you know anyone who's in it?

No, but my father used to be in the US Navy.

Are YOU in it?

No, unless there was a draft I will likely remain as a civilian for life. I feel I would be ineligible for military service. I am nearly blind in my left eye and used to be on medication. I talked to some recruiters and have been declined.

And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect?

You will need to become a team player. Follow orders and no longer think of yourself as an individual, but rather as part of a unit.

[Jafas United]

What do you think of the military?

It's inherently a good thing.

Do you know anyone who's in it?

No, but my father was conscripted into the Finnish military in the late 60s, he says he enjoyed his time there. My grandfathers etc also served in various stages of their lives.

Are YOU in it?

No, and I don't plan on joining.

What were some of your experiences?
And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect?

N/A

[Kilobugya]

I strongly oppose the army for ethical and practical reason. An army is the embodiment of all what I despite : strong hierarchy, uniformity, blind obedience, harsh and cruel punishments, using violence, killing people, giving lots of importance to tiny insignificant details, ...

Humans should be diverse, free, emancipated, taking decisions together, challenging authority, and not using violence against their brethren.

[L Ron Cupboard]

One of my grandfathers was in the Royal Navy, the other was in the Army. My dad was in the Army and the Royal Air Force. An uncle was a military policeman, another did national service.

I think the armed forces get flattered by politicians, the press, and the public for a short amount of time while they are needed and then unceremoniously dumped and treated like shit afterwards. It is a lousy job where you could get killed, so one I wouldn't touch with a bargepole while there is an alternative.

[Chestaan]

My father was in the Irish army for most of his life. He served on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. It's definitely not for me though. I would be especially against joining the American military as I am against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

On the other hand, some of the benefits can be great. If you join the Cadets in Ireland they pay for you to do a college course.

[CTALNH]

Recently I've been considering joining the American National Guard for various reasons, this of course like many other things I think about led me to an idea for a new General topic. (I'm obsessed with NSG I tell you, OBSESSESED!) Ahem.
Anyway I thought I'd start a topic on Military Service.

What do you think of the military?
Do you know anyone who's in it?
Are YOU in it?
What were some of your experiences?
And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect?

I personally have a sister who joined the National Guard and a cousin who used to be in the Navy and worked on an Aircraft Carrier.
(No I don't remember the name of the ship)

My whole town is less than 10 km from the biggest military installation in Greece!
We occasionally wake up at 2 am from cannon/machine gun fire
And I will have to serve 14 months in the military in less than 2 years also my dream job (Can you guess?)

[Morrdh]

I've had family who served in the forces, but not that many;

*Great uncle who lied about his age and joined up as a boy soldier during WW1, got sent over to France to fight only to have an artillery shell land and take his leg off when he step foot into the trenches. Family guardian angel has a weird sense of humour.

*Grandfather was an aircraft mechanic before 1939 and in a Reserved Occupation when war started, so he spent all of WW2 as a civie attached to the RAF. Did spend his 21st birthday getting rip-roaring drunk in a central London flat during an air raid. After the war he got called up for National Service, but got discharged on medical grounds.

*Other grandfather was in the army, seen a photo of him in uniform but no idea what he did other than be a Lance-Corporal.

*Another great uncle served in the Royal Navy on the Atlantic convoys, moved to Australia after the war.

*Uncle served in the RAF on the Vulcan fleet (took part in the Vulcan bombing raids during the Falklands) and later Victor tanker fleet (including during the first Gulf War).

I've tried for the RAF in the past, managed to get start date for training but had something come up that forced me to drop out.

Currently joining local RAF Reserves squadron.

Anyone who's considering the military I offer the following advice; i.) really blitz your fitness as soon as you can as this will help you in the long run and ii.) join the part-time military like the TA or RAF Reserves (for Britain) or the National Guard (for the US) first for a couple of years as it'll give you a bit of experience before trying for the regular forces.

[Crumlark]

My uncle had participated in patrols in the Caribbean around the time I was born. While the idea of getting shot at terrifies me, I want to help people. Maybe I will be a firefighter, possibly.

[Bojikami]

I am not in the American military. I fly a MiG-31 in the RAF. (Russian Airforce)

You're joking, right?

Nope.

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

The military serve a purpose and I support those who join. I do not support politicians who use the military as a tool to wage economic war.

My brother is ex US Army. Retired as a full bird Colonel (ex Rangers). Now does peacekeeping work in Africa for the UN.

My father was US Navy during the Korean War

My Grandfather in the US was also US Navy - Aviator. Flew in the Pacific. Mainly ground attack.

My Grandfather in the UK did work for the government during WWII

My Great Grandfather (UK) was a Cavalry officer in the Indian Army.

My Great Grandfather (US) served in the US Army but I know very little about him.

And so it goes...I'm pretty the first not to have served but I did grow up on USAF bases across Europe. Which was interesting...being the 70's.

I did not join because my mother totally objected. She did not want both her sons serving.

[Conserative Morality]

What do you think of the military?

I think quite highly of it, at least of the US military.

Do you know anyone who's in it?

My grandfather and my great-uncle were in the Marines and the Army, respectively.

Are YOU in it?

No.

[Kelvaros Prime]

What do you think of the military?
I think it's great. I plan on attending West Point Military Academy and being in the US Army.
Do you know anyone who's in it?
My dad was Air Force, 2 of my uncles are Army, and 3 of my other uncles were Navy.
Are YOU in it?
Nope, but I'm in Army JROTC
What were some of your experiences?
N/A
And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect?
- Lots and lots of physical/mental training (Pretty intense stuff)
- Adventure of a lifetime
- Making lifelong friends
- Being well-respected by almost everybody
- Good amount of pay and leadership training

[Louisistan]

What do you think of the military?
I grew up next to a military base so it's a pretty normal thing for me. I have great respect for the Bundeswehr (although they do screw up from time to time).

Do you know anyone who's in it?
I know lots of people who were there, because Germany had the draft until 2011. Anyone who served his time then is technically still in the reserves, although not many people really participate in reserve training (I do know one guy who does it). My uncle is a retired officer

Are YOU in it?
No. Being a volontary member of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief I was exempt from compulsory service. Now that the draft is suspended it really doesn't matter anymore.

[Sebytania]

What do you think of the military?

It's a neccessary evil.

Do you know anyone who's in it?
Are YOU in it?

Like most Finnish men, I served in the military and am now a part of the reserve.

What were some of your experiences?

Learned to appreciate small things in life, such as proper food, sleeping enough and common sense.

Learned to use a multitude of small arms and explosive devices (which is always fun)

Learned quite a lot about emergency first aid.

Oh, and the official version: Learned skills that are important in later life (yeah, I absolutely couldn't cope with my civilian job had I not been taught how to correctly fold a blanket on a stool) and some other bullshit I can't remember.

And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect?

No idea, I'd imagine a volunteer-based military would work rather differently to a conscription-based. Maybe.

[Northern Dominus]

Well to answer Gen's questions...

What do you think of the military?
Whether people like it or not, the US Military is a nessecity now and will be until...I really can't see a point in the near future where it won't be needed. As a culture it's definetly a strange place, but for the most part as long as you do the job and support the man or woman on your right or left, generally you're treated as an equal, psychotic noncoms and pissant junior officers aside.

The only thing that really pisses me off about the US Military is the armchair warhawks that have the idea that every single man and women serving in the military is a christian soldier of some kind campaigning for their personal beliefs, and you have to listen to these assholes while in uniform because the second you tell them to go fuck themselves because you defend the constitution and all citizens of the US rather than their asinine monkey belief you can bet a big fat complaint comes rolling into your CO's office in some form.
Do you know anyone who's in it?
I have a few active-duty friends scattered around all five branches, ranging from transport aircraft pilots to logistics noncoms
Are YOU in it?
Not anymore, I dedicated 4 1/2 years of my life to the United States Coast Guard as a Gunner's mate.
What were some of your experiences?
Well I served in a helicopter unit when Katrina hit, so you can imagine my life was pretty interesting for a few months. to say the least.
I was assigned to plenty of Law Enforcement and Port Security units during my service so I was lucky in that I didn't spend much time in the armory compared to other GMs. That being said I still helped others get range qualified and believe me some of the craptastic shooting techniques I observed could go down in the pages of history under "how the fuck did you get here?!". It also translates to me having spent a lot of time in small boats and helicopters as well. Not a bad working environment really but you better be able to keep up to par as far as fitness is concerned.

I will say the perks are kinda nice, provided somebody doesn't go the tack of "They're not wearing digital camo and therefore aren't equal". When I was in a lot of big-time theme parks either drastically cut my entrance fee or waived it altogether for an example, although in my defense I never sought it out like the squids in their stupid white uniforms who showed up to the gate en masse. Yes the recognition is nice and the rewards, but be prepared for a bit of ear-bashing from the public as well depending who's the drunkest and most vocal at the time

The other rough spot is of course family life. If you can compartmentalize and aren't close to most family, great, more power to ya. All I can say is during my years I missed two Thanksgivings, one Christmas, and more birthdays than I'd care to admit. Now I benefited from having great people around me to celebrate with, but it's really not the same. Depending on where you go the requirements and duties will play havoc with any romantic entaglements that are more serious beyond a FWB deal so get used to that as well.

That being said, the USCG probably has the best PR of any branch. Sure those aformentioned armchair christian warhawks might not get the idea, but the communities around every station appreaciate the 'Guard. That's because unlike most other branches, they get to see what the Coast Guard does to benefit them directly each and every day, whether it's port security, rescue, or environmental protection.
And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect? Expect to work harder and be more confused then ever, at least when you start. The recruiters are masters of pumping up the benefits and excitement of active duty life while minimizing the drudgery and paperwork. Expect more to be asked of you if you get into your A School of choice and for the pay sometimes not matching the work. And be prepared to be dissappointed, at least initially, because sometimes your A School of choice won't take you right off the bat and you'll be stuck doing menial boatswain's work.

However, that being said, also be prepared to see your hard work pay off. The USCG has the highest ASVAB scores and it demands the best out of its ranks, but in return it gives you some of the most generous housing benefits and recognizes you with yearly bonuses depending on what you do and where. Sure it might not have the "sticker value" of the Marines or the Army, but the USCG does more with less and pays accordingly, plus you get to see what you do benefiting the country directly.

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Well to answer Gen's questions...

What do you think of the military?
Whether people like it or not, the US Military is a nessecity now and will be until...I really can't see a point in the near future where it won't be needed. As a culture it's definetly a strange place, but for the most part as long as you do the job and support the man or woman on your right or left, generally you're treated as an equal, psychotic noncoms and pissant junior officers aside.

The only thing that really pisses me off about the US Military is the armchair warhawks that have the idea that every single man and women serving in the military is a christian soldier of some kind campaigning for their personal beliefs, and you have to listen to these assholes while in uniform because the second you tell them to go fuck themselves because you defend the constitution and all citizens of the US rather than their asinine monkey belief you can bet a big fat complaint comes rolling into your CO's office in some form.
Do you know anyone who's in it?
I have a few active-duty friends scattered around all five branches, ranging from transport aircraft pilots to logistics noncoms
Are YOU in it?
Not anymore, I dedicated 4 1/2 years of my life to the United States Coast Guard as a Gunner's mate.
What were some of your experiences?
Well I served in a helicopter unit when Katrina hit, so you can imagine my life was pretty interesting for a few months. to say the least.
I was assigned to plenty of Law Enforcement and Port Security units during my service so I was lucky in that I didn't spend much time in the armory compared to other GMs. That being said I still helped others get range qualified and believe me some of the craptastic shooting techniques I observed could go down in the pages of history under "how the fuck did you get here?!". It also translates to me having spent a lot of time in small boats and helicopters as well. Not a bad working environment really but you better be able to keep up to par as far as fitness is concerned.

I will say the perks are kinda nice, provided somebody doesn't go the tack of "They're not wearing digital camo and therefore aren't equal". When I was in a lot of big-time theme parks either drastically cut my entrance fee or waived it altogether for an example, although in my defense I never sought it out like the squids in their stupid white uniforms who showed up to the gate en masse. Yes the recognition is nice and the rewards, but be prepared for a bit of ear-bashing from the public as well depending who's the drunkest and most vocal at the time

The other rough spot is of course family life. If you can compartmentalize and aren't close to most family, great, more power to ya. All I can say is during my years I missed two Thanksgivings, one Christmas, and more birthdays than I'd care to admit. Now I benefited from having great people around me to celebrate with, but it's really not the same. Depending on where you go the requirements and duties will play havoc with any romantic entaglements that are more serious beyond a FWB deal so get used to that as well.

That being said, the USCG probably has the best PR of any branch. Sure those aformentioned armchair christian warhawks might not get the idea, but the communities around every station appreaciate the 'Guard. That's because unlike most other branches, they get to see what the Coast Guard does to benefit them directly each and every day, whether it's port security, rescue, or environmental protection.
And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect? Expect to work harder and be more confused then ever, at least when you start. The recruiters are masters of pumping up the benefits and excitement of active duty life while minimizing the drudgery and paperwork. Expect more to be asked of you if you get into your A School of choice and for the pay sometimes not matching the work. And be prepared to be dissappointed, at least initially, because sometimes your A School of choice won't take you right off the bat and you'll be stuck doing menial boatswain's work.

However, that being said, also be prepared to see your hard work pay off. The USCG has the highest ASVAB scores and it demands the best out of its ranks, but in return it gives you some of the most generous housing benefits and recognizes you with yearly bonuses depending on what you do and where. Sure it might not have the "sticker value" of the Marines or the Army, but the USCG does more with less and pays accordingly, plus you get to see what you do benefiting the country directly.

re your first point...

Needless to say I do agree wholeheartedly with you. However there is another type who is not the armchair general wanking himself silly with religious zeal. That would be the actively serving officer (including Generals). They scare me more than the armchair bootboi.

[Volnotova]

What do you think of the military?

Can't really say I have a detailed opinion on it.

Do you know anyone who's in it?

I used to.

Are YOU in it?

Nope.

[Soviet Russia Republic]

What do you think of the military? I have a very positive view of military forces.
Do you know anyone who's in it? Yes. Such as my adoptive father, who served in the US navy. He served on an aircraft carrier. He says he doesn't regret his time there and always shares some interesting stories. A couple even involved the Soviet navy. ^^
Are YOU in it? No, I would never join the US military. I wouldn't even join the Russian military unless if it was invaded, than I'd consider it. Assuming it happened by the time I returned. Conscription laws would not apply to me, since I'm not a male.
What were some of your experiences? None.
And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect? I'm sure the US national guard will answer this for you.

Edit-oops, I read is as was. Still, yes I do.

[Cill Airne]

What do you think of the military?
I don't really like it, nor do I support a large military. I much prefer a smaller defence force than an actual, proper, military.

Do you know anyone who's in it?
I have several friend in the army, marines, and air force. And several more planning on joining.

Are YOU in it?
No, joining the military would be hypocritical and go against everything I stand for.

What were some of your experiences?
I have had friends day in Afghanistan, and friends left widows after it. I am far from a supporter of war, and I think its unfortunate so many go to their death with pride.

And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect? A lot of work

[Souseiseki]

What do you think of the military?

I don't really subscribe to the theory that killing people for a living (but souseiseki-chan, not everyone in the military kills people. there are people that cook food for the people that kill people and the people that fix the tanks so the tanks can kill people and also haiti. no not invading haiti for the third time, i mean providing relief. if we didn't have a military, who would do that?) but it's ok because the state tells you makes you noble. So from that, the military needs to be judged based on the world on which it exists and the system which it used to support, and since we're talking USA or UK, that does not bode well.

Now I'm not saying the military is full of evil imperialist child killers, but if I compared the times the military has defended the nation from real threats and the times the military has been used for shit purposes or has been used against the nations on people, the rap sheet is really bad. Of course, we need to support the troops, because the politicians choose what they do and they sign up for that, knowing full well what this rap sheet is like.

So... Hmm... National Guard... I'm not good with America. Are they the guys that got deployed to crush strikers, or the guys that got deployed to stop the police, thugs and other soldiers from killing strikers? Either way, I'd suggest waiting before you join.

Do you know anyone who's in it?

I think a guy I knew in school is in the RAF now based on what he said before and his Facebook pictures. I didn't think they let dyslexic people in. It's actually confusing the shit out of me.

Are YOU in it?

I wanted to join when I was younger, but now I wouldn't get in and probably never would have. My dreams of the glorious British Empire, dead. ):

What were some of your experiences?

"Police officers and soldiers harass young people on the street hitting, kicking and insulting them. Police officers in interrogation centres insult, trick and threaten youngsters and sometimes physically assault them. Children are locked up in adult detention centres and prisons in shameful conditions. The extent of the violence inflicted on children is appalling."

Well, that's not really my experience, I just like to post this at every opportunity I get~

And what should people like myself who are considering joining expect?

I'm not sure. I suppose you could expect to be forced to read Smedley Butler books? But not War is a Racket, they don't like that one.

Expect to die?

i mean i guess it'd be all cool if you could join a purely self-defence force, but

[Souseiseki]

Do the CIA or Border Patrol count as military service?

I may join those, I'm leaning more towards the CIA though.

"American Nationalist. Yet, anti-American government"

wait you're anti-American government and you want to join the CIA

are you serious? is your problem that the american government wasn't couping enough countries?

[Rubiconic Crossings V2 rev 1f]

Do the CIA or Border Patrol count as military service?

I may join those, I'm leaning more towards the CIA though.

"American Nationalist. Yet, anti-American government"

wait you're anti-American government and you want to join the CIA

are you serious? is your problem that the american government wasn't couping enough countries?

Sleeper agent for the Tea Party?

[Kemaliste]

Yes, we have a navy officer in our family, I admire him so much that's why I've joined Naval High School as well.